What's New in Spokane • September 18, 2026

Join the Homegrown Spokane Newsletter for Your Chance to Win $200!

by Ronda Swanson

Join the Homegrown Spokane Newsletter for Your Chance to Win $200!

Spokane has so many wonderful places, events, restaurants, and local stories to discover—and I’d love to help you find them.

That’s why I created the Homegrown Spokane newsletter, a weekly curated collection of Spokane’s best local events, great food, new places to explore, things to do, and community highlights. My goal is simple: to help you enjoy the very best of Spokane!

To celebrate, I’m giving one lucky subscriber the chance to win a $200 prize.

How to Enter

To enter, sign up for the Homegrown Spokane email newsletter during the Sweepstakes Period and provide a valid email address.

There is no purchase necessary to enter or win.

Only one entry is permitted per person. Duplicate, incomplete, fraudulent, or automated entries may be disqualified.

By signing up, you agree to receive the Homegrown Spokane email newsletter. You may unsubscribe from future emails at any time by selecting the unsubscribe link included in each newsletter.

Prize

One winner will receive a prize valued at $200.

The approximate retail value of the prize is $200. The prize is non-transferable. No substitution will be made except at the Sponsor’s discretion if circumstances make the advertised prize unavailable.

Winner Selection

One potential winner will be selected at random from all eligible entries received during the Sweepstakes Period.

The odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received. For example, if 500 eligible entries are received, the odds of winning are 1 in 500.

Winner Notification

The potential winner will be contacted using the email address provided when entering.

The potential winner must respond within 72 hours of the initial notification. If the potential winner cannot be contacted, does not respond within the required period, is found to be ineligible, or does not comply with the Official Rules, another potential winner may be selected at random from the remaining eligible entries.

The Sponsor will never require a winner to pay a fee or provide credit card or banking information to claim the prize.

General Conditions

By participating, entrants agree to these Official Rules and to the Sponsor’s decisions regarding the administration of the Sweepstakes.

The Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify entries that are fraudulent, incomplete, submitted through automated methods, or otherwise violate these Official Rules.

The Sponsor also reserves the right to cancel, suspend, modify, or terminate the Sweepstakes if circumstances beyond the Sponsor’s reasonable control affect the fairness or proper administration of the promotion, subject to applicable law.

Privacy

Information collected in connection with the Sweepstakes will be used to administer the promotion and deliver the Homegrown Spokane newsletter and related communications.

Subscribers may unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time. Personal information will not be sold to third parties for their independent marketing purposes.

Social Media Disclaimer

This Sweepstakes is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Meta, or any other social media platform on which it may be promoted.

By entering, participants acknowledge that Facebook, Instagram, Meta, and other social media platforms have no responsibility for administering the Sweepstakes or fulfilling the prize.

Release and Limitation of Liability

To the extent permitted by law, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Sponsor and its affiliated businesses, representatives, and agents from claims arising from participation in the Sweepstakes or the acceptance or use of the prize, except where such a release is prohibited by law.

Ready to Enter?

Send me a message to join the Homegrown Spokane newsletter and enter for your chance to win!

No purchase necessary. Limit one entry per person per week. Contest runs through October 1, 2026.

Recipes • September 17, 2026

Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

by Ronda Swanson

Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones you come back to again and again.

These Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy and filled with plenty of peanut butter flavor. There’s no flour, no butter and no complicated preparation—just three everyday ingredients and approximately 10 minutes in the oven.

They’re a great option when you need a quick dessert, want something sweet without making a trip to the store or simply don’t feel like spending all afternoon baking.

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies are:

Made with only three ingredients
Naturally flourless
Quick and easy to prepare
Ready in approximately 20 minutes
Soft, chewy and full of peanut butter flavor
Easy to make with ingredients you may already have

Because the recipe doesn’t require flour, these cookies can also be a simple gluten-free treat. If you need them to be strictly gluten-free, check the labels on your peanut butter and other ingredients to make sure they were processed without gluten or cross-contamination.

Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 10 minutes
Makes: Approximately 18 cookies

Ingredients

1 cup peanut butter
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 egg

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Add the peanut butter, sugar and egg to a medium mixing bowl.
Stir until all three ingredients are completely combined and a soft dough forms.
Roll the dough into small balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
Gently press each ball with a fork in one direction and then the other to create the classic crisscross pattern.
Bake for 9–11 minutes. The cookies may still look slightly soft in the center when they come out of the oven.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before moving them. They will become firmer as they cool.

Tips for the Best Cookies

Don’t overbake these cookies. They may appear soft when you first remove them from the oven, but they will continue to set as they cool.

Regular creamy peanut butter generally creates the most consistent texture. Natural peanut butter can also work, but make sure it is stirred thoroughly before measuring so the oil is evenly incorporated.

Try to keep the dough balls similar in size so all the cookies finish baking at approximately the same time.

Easy Variations

The basic three-ingredient recipe is delicious on its own, but you can also add a little something extra.

Try mixing in chocolate chips, pressing a chocolate candy into the center of each warm cookie or sprinkling the tops with a small amount of sugar before baking.

A pinch of salt can also help balance the sweetness, especially if you are using unsalted peanut butter.

How to Store Peanut Butter Cookies

Once completely cooled, place the cookies in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for approximately four to five days.

You can also freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Separate the layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.

A Simple Treat for Any Day

You don’t need a long ingredient list to make a delicious homemade dessert.

With peanut butter, sugar and one egg, you can have a warm batch of soft, chewy cookies ready in about 20 minutes. They’re perfect for an after-school snack, Sunday dessert, last-minute gathering or any time a peanut butter craving strikes.

Simple really can be delicious.

Recipes • September 17, 2026

Seven Easy Gluten Free Dinners, One Delicious Dessert and a Complete Grocery List to Make Planning This Week’s Meals a Little Simpler

by Ronda Swanson

Seven-day family meal plan featuring crispy baked chicken drumsticks with roasted potatoes and carrots, including a full grocery list.

Seven Easy Family Dinners, One Delicious Dessert and a Complete Grocery List to Make Planning This Week’s Meals a Little Simpler

Some weeks, the hardest part of making dinner is simply deciding what to make.

That’s why I’ve gathered seven easy, family-friendly dinners for the week—plus a simple three-ingredient cookie recipe and one complete grocery list to make shopping a little easier.

This week’s menu includes an easy sheet-pan dinner, a comforting slow-cooker soup, flavorful skillet meals, customizable chicken taco bowls and a simple casserole. Each recipe uses affordable, everyday ingredients that are easy to find at nearly any grocery store.

Click any underlined recipe title to go directly to the complete recipe.

This Week’s Meal Plan: 7 Easy Dinners + Something Sweet

Does anyone else feel like figuring out what’s for dinner is half the battle?

Instead of standing in front of the refrigerator at 5:30 wondering what sounds good, here are seven dinners already planned for you—plus something sweet.

Choose the meals that work best for your family, rearrange the days if needed and check your kitchen before shopping. You may already have many of the pantry staples included on the grocery list.

The main ingredients repeat intentionally, allowing you to purchase larger packages and use everything instead of buying separate ingredients for every meal.

Monday: Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Potatoes

Let’s make Monday a little easier with a complete dinner that cooks together on one baking sheet.

Seasoned chicken drumsticks bake alongside chunks of potatoes and sliced carrots until the chicken is crispy and the vegetables are tender. Everything is seasoned with simple pantry staples, including garlic powder and paprika.

This meal already includes protein, potatoes and vegetables, so there’s no need to prepare several different side dishes.

Tuesday: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Tuesday’s dinner is a simple skillet meal made with affordable, filling ingredients.

Ground beef, cabbage, onion and carrots cook together with garlic and paprika to create a warm and flavorful dinner in approximately 30 minutes.

Serve it on its own for a lighter meal or spoon it over warm rice to make it even more filling.

Wednesday: Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup

Wednesday calls for a comforting slow-cooker dinner.

Chicken, potatoes, carrots and onion slowly cook together in a lightly seasoned broth. The chicken is shredded before rice is added during the final portion of the cooking time, creating a hearty soup the entire family can enjoy.

Add a little extra water if the soup becomes thicker than you prefer. Serve it with gluten-free crackers, bread or a simple salad.

Thursday: Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

Thursday’s dinner combines savory pork chops with tender apples and onions.

The pork chops are seasoned and browned before sliced apples, onions and water are added to the skillet. Everything cooks together until the pork is done and the apples are soft and flavorful.

Serve this skillet dinner with rice, potatoes or a green vegetable to complete the meal.

Friday: Simple Chicken Taco Rice Bowls

Friday’s dinner is quick, colorful and easy for everyone to customize.

Bite-sized pieces of chicken are seasoned with chili powder, cumin and garlic before being cooked with sweet corn and served over warm rice.

Set out any toppings you already have, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado or salsa, and let everyone build their own bowl.

Saturday: Potato, Sausage and Egg Skillet

Saturday is the perfect time for a hearty breakfast-for-dinner meal.

Crispy potatoes, savory gluten-free breakfast sausage, onions and fluffy eggs come together in one skillet to create a filling meal that works for breakfast, brunch or dinner.

Serve it with fresh fruit, salsa or sliced avocado. Everything cooks in one pan, which also means fewer dishes to clean.

Sunday: Hamburger Rice Casserole

Let’s finish the week with a simple, comforting casserole.

Ground beef, rice, carrots and corn bake together with familiar seasonings to create a filling dinner made with affordable ingredients. Once the beef and onion are browned, everything is combined in one casserole dish and placed in the oven.

Serve it with a salad, steamed vegetables or fresh fruit. It also makes convenient leftovers for lunch the following day.

And Now for Something Sweet

Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

These Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies prove that a homemade dessert doesn’t need to be complicated.

Made with only peanut butter, sugar and one egg, these naturally flourless cookies are soft, chewy and filled with peanut butter flavor. Simply mix the ingredients, roll the dough into balls and press each cookie with a fork to create the classic crisscross pattern.

They bake in approximately 10 minutes, making them perfect for a last-minute dessert, an after-school snack or any time you want something sweet without spending all afternoon in the kitchen.

If you need the cookies to be strictly gluten-free, check the labels on each ingredient to make sure it was processed without gluten or cross-contamination.

Your Grocery List

Before heading to the store, check your refrigerator, freezer and pantry. You probably already have quite a few of these ingredients.

Produce

12 medium potatoes
10 carrots
5 medium onions
½ head cabbage
2 apples
Lettuce, optional for taco bowls
Tomatoes, optional for taco bowls
Avocado, optional for taco bowls
Salad greens, optional
Fresh fruit, optional
Fresh parsley, optional for garnish

Meat

8 chicken drumsticks
3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 pounds ground beef
4 pork chops
1 pound gluten-free breakfast sausage

Dairy and Refrigerated

7 eggs

Rice and Grains

Approximately 3 cups uncooked rice

Frozen and Canned Ingredients

2 cups frozen corn
Salsa, optional for taco bowls

Baking and Pantry Ingredients

1 cup peanut butter
¾ cup granulated sugar
Cooking oil
Garlic powder
Paprika
Chili powder
Ground cumin
Dried parsley
Salt
Black pepper

When purchasing sausage, peanut butter or packaged seasonings, check the labels to make sure they are gluten-free if that is important for your family.

Dinner Is Planned

There you go.

Seven easy dinners. One three-ingredient dessert. One complete grocery list.

Hopefully, that means a little less time figuring out what to make this week and a little more time enjoying dinner with the people you love.

Save this meal plan before heading to the store, and send it to a friend who could use a few easy dinner ideas too.

And while I’m helping make dinner a little easier, I’m always happy to make Spokane real estate a little easier too.

If you’re wondering what your home might be worth, thinking about making a move or simply curious about what’s happening in your Spokane neighborhood, reach out anytime.

I’m always happy to be a resource, and I’m never too busy for a phone call.

509.979.5894

Ronda

Recipes • September 17, 2026

Hamburger Rice Casserole

by Ronda Swanson

Hamburger Rice Casserole

This Hamburger Rice Casserole is a simple, filling dinner made with affordable ingredients. Seasoned ground beef, rice, carrots and corn bake together in one dish, creating an easy family meal without any complicated preparation.

With only 15 minutes of prep time, this casserole is a practical option for busy weeknights. It also uses familiar pantry and freezer staples, making it a helpful recipe to keep on hand when you need a dependable dinner.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups water
2 carrots, shredded
1 cup frozen corn
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Lightly grease a casserole dish.
Add the ground beef and diced onion to a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, breaking the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Add the cooked beef and onion to the prepared casserole dish.
Add the uncooked rice, water, shredded carrots, frozen corn, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Carefully remove the foil and check the rice. If it is still firm, add a small amount of water, cover the dish again and bake for another 5–10 minutes.
Let the casserole rest for five minutes before serving.

Helpful Tips

Regular long-grain white rice works best for this recipe. Brown rice may require additional water and a longer baking time, while instant rice will cook much faster.

Make sure the casserole dish is covered tightly while baking. The trapped steam helps the rice absorb the water and become tender.

Shredding the carrots allows them to cook quickly and blend easily into the casserole, making this a convenient way to add vegetables to a family meal.

What to Serve with Hamburger Rice Casserole

This casserole includes protein, rice and vegetables, so it can be served as a complete meal. You can also pair it with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli or warm gluten-free dinner rolls.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the casserole to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the covered casserole in the oven. Add a small splash of water before reheating if the rice seems dry.

Simple, hearty and budget-friendly, this Hamburger Rice Casserole is an easy dinner the whole family can enjoy.

Recipes • September 17, 2026

Potato, Sausage and Egg Skillet

by Ronda Swanson

Potato, Sausage and Egg Skillet

This Potato, Sausage and Egg Skillet is a hearty, satisfying meal made with simple ingredients. Crispy potatoes, savory breakfast sausage and fluffy eggs come together in one skillet for an easy dish the entire family can enjoy.

It’s a great choice for breakfast, brunch or a quick breakfast-for-dinner night. Everything is prepared in one pan, making both cooking and cleanup simple.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

1 pound gluten-free breakfast sausage
4 potatoes, diced small
1 onion, diced
6 eggs
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon oil, if needed

Directions

Add the breakfast sausage to a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces, until browned and completely cooked.
Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
Add the diced potatoes and onion to the same skillet. If the pan is dry, add 1 tablespoon of oil.
Sprinkle the potatoes and onions with the garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and lightly browned.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir everything together.
Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them until combined.
Pour the beaten eggs evenly over the sausage and potato mixture.
Cook while gently stirring until the eggs are completely set.
Serve immediately while warm.

Helpful Tips

Dice the potatoes into small, evenly sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly. If the potatoes begin sticking before they are tender, add a small splash of water and cover the skillet again.

Check the label on the breakfast sausage to make sure it is certified gluten-free. Some varieties may contain gluten in their seasonings or added ingredients.

You can also prepare the potatoes and onion the night before and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook.

Optional Toppings

Serve the skillet as prepared or add any toppings you have available, such as:

Salsa
Diced tomatoes
Sliced avocado
Chopped green onions
Fresh parsley
Hot sauce

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the skillet gently on the stovetop. Avoid overheating it so the eggs remain tender.

Simple, filling and made in one pan, this Potato, Sausage and Egg Skillet is an easy meal for breakfast, brunch or dinner.

Recipes • September 17, 2026

Simple Chicken Taco Rice Bowls

by Ronda Swanson

Chicken taco rice bowl with seasoned chicken, corn, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado and salsa over white rice.

Simple Chicken Taco Rice Bowls

These Simple Chicken Taco Rice Bowls are an easy way to bring plenty of flavor to the dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. Seasoned chicken, warm rice and sweet corn create a filling meal that can be customized with whatever toppings your family enjoys.

Ready in approximately 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also an affordable way to use simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry, refrigerator or freezer.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

1½ pounds chicken, cut into small pieces
3 cups cooked rice
1 cup frozen corn
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt, to taste
1 tablespoon oil
Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sliced avocado or salsa

Directions

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet.
Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and salt over the chicken. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
Cook for 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Add the frozen corn and cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Divide the cooked rice among the serving bowls.
Spoon the seasoned chicken and corn over the rice.
Add lettuce, tomato, avocado, salsa or any other toppings you have available.

Helpful Tips

Cut the chicken into similarly sized pieces so everything cooks evenly. Chicken breasts or thighs will both work well in this recipe.

You can prepare the rice ahead of time or use leftover rice to make dinner even faster. When reheating previously cooked rice, make sure it is steaming hot before serving.

Set the toppings out separately and let everyone assemble their own bowl. This makes it easy for each person to choose exactly what they like.

Easy Topping Ideas

These taco rice bowls can be customized with a variety of simple toppings, including:

Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Sliced avocado
Salsa
Chopped onion
Fresh cilantro
A squeeze of lime juice

Use whatever you already have available—there’s no need to purchase every topping.

Storing Leftovers

Store the chicken and corn separately from the fresh toppings in airtight containers. Refrigerate leftovers for up to three days.

Reheat the chicken, corn and rice until steaming hot, and then add the cold toppings immediately before serving.

Quick, colorful and easy to customize, these Simple Chicken Taco Rice Bowls make a flavorful family dinner without complicated ingredients or preparation.

Recipes • September 17, 2026

Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

by Ronda Swanson

Golden-brown pork chops served with tender sliced apples and caramelized onions in a skillet.

Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

Sweet apples, savory onions and tender pork chops come together in this simple skillet dinner. Pork Chops with Apples and Onions is a flavorful meal that feels perfect for fall but is easy enough to prepare any night of the year.

Everything cooks in one skillet using affordable, everyday ingredients. With only 10 minutes of preparation and approximately 20 minutes of cooking, this is a convenient choice for busy weeknights.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

4 pork chops
2 apples, sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 tablespoon oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup water

Directions

Season both sides of the pork chops with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the pork chops and brown them for approximately 3 minutes on each side.
Add the sliced apples and onions to the skillet, arranging them around the pork chops.
Pour in ½ cup of water.
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the apples and onions are tender and the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Allow the pork chops to rest for three minutes before serving.
Serve warm with rice or potatoes.

Helpful Tips

The thickness of the pork chops will affect the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check that the center has reached 145°F without overcooking the pork.

Choose firm apples that hold their shape when cooked. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji or Granny Smith apples are all good choices. For a sweeter flavor, use Gala or Fuji. Granny Smith apples will add a slightly tart contrast to the savory pork.

If the liquid cooks away too quickly, add another small splash of water to the skillet.

What to Serve with Pork Chops

These pork chops pair well with white rice, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes or steamed vegetables. Spoon the tender apples, onions and skillet juices over the pork before serving.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet or microwave so the pork doesn’t dry out.

Quick, comforting and full of sweet-and-savory flavor, these Pork Chops with Apples and Onions make an easy one-pan dinner for the whole family.

Recipes • September 17, 2026

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup

by Ronda Swanson

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup. This Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup is filled with tender chicken, potatoes, carrots and rice for a simple, satisfying meal the entire family can enjoy.

With only 10 minutes of preparation, the slow cooker does most of the work for you. It’s an affordable, uncomplicated recipe made with everyday ingredients—perfect for busy weekdays, chilly evenings or anytime you need an easy comfort-food dinner.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5–7 hours
Servings: 6

Ingredients

1½ pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
6 cups water
3 potatoes, diced
3 carrots, sliced
1 onion, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup uncooked rice

Directions

Place the chicken, water, potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt and pepper in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir everything together.
Add the uncooked rice during the final 30–45 minutes of cooking.
Continue cooking until the rice is tender. Add additional water if the soup becomes thicker than you prefer.
Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm.

Helpful Tips

Cut the potatoes and carrots into similarly sized pieces so they cook evenly. Chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor, while chicken breasts create a lighter soup.

The cooking time

Recipes • September 17, 2026

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

by Ronda Swanson

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

When you need a quick, affordable dinner made with simple ingredients, this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is a great recipe to have on hand. It combines seasoned ground beef with tender cabbage, carrots and onion for a hearty meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.

Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less time spent preparing dinner and fewer dishes to wash afterward. Serve it by itself for a lighter meal or spoon it over warm rice to make it even more filling.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
½ head cabbage, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, shredded or thinly sliced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup water
Cooked rice, optional

Directions

Add the ground beef and diced onion to a large skillet.
Cook over medium heat, breaking the beef into smaller pieces, until the meat is browned and the onion is tender.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet if necessary.
Add the chopped cabbage, carrots, garlic powder and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour in ¼ cup of water and stir everything together.
Cover the skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage and carrots are tender.
Serve warm by itself or over cooked rice.

Helpful Tips

Cut the cabbage into similarly sized pieces so it cooks evenly. If you prefer softer cabbage, let the skillet cook for a few additional minutes. For cabbage with a little more texture, check it after eight minutes.

You can also prepare the vegetables ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. Using a bag of pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix can make preparation even faster.

What to Serve with Ground Beef and Cabbage

This skillet can be enjoyed as a complete meal or served over white or brown rice. It also pairs well with roasted potatoes, a simple green salad or warm dinner rolls.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave for a quick lunch or another easy dinner.

Simple, filling and budget-friendly, this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is a convenient one-pan meal for busy weeknights.

Recipes • September 16, 2026

Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Potatoes

by Ronda Swanson

Crispy baked chicken drumsticks served with golden roasted potatoes and carrots on a platter.

Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Potatoes

When you need an easy dinner that doesn’t require a lot of prep or expensive ingredients, these Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Potatoes are a great choice. Everything cooks together on one baking sheet, making this a simple, hearty meal with very little cleanup.

The chicken bakes up crispy and flavorful while the potatoes and carrots become tender and delicious. It’s an affordable family dinner made with everyday ingredients you may already have on hand.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

8 chicken drumsticks
5 potatoes, cut into chunks
3 carrots, sliced
3 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Place the chicken drumsticks, potatoes and carrots on a large baking sheet.
Drizzle everything with the oil. Sprinkle the garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
Toss the potatoes and carrots to coat them in the oil and seasonings. Arrange everything in a single layer.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through.
The meal is ready when the vegetables are tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Helpful Tips

For crispier chicken, pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel before adding the oil and seasonings. Be sure to leave a little room between each piece of chicken so it can roast instead of steam.

You can also line the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to make cleanup even easier.

What to Serve with Chicken Drumsticks

This recipe is already a complete meal, but you can serve it with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli or warm gluten-free dinner rolls. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Simple, filling and made on one pan, these Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Potatoes are perfect for a busy weeknight family dinner.